What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit? — Paul's choice is between stern discipline ('with a whip,' en rabdō, lit. a rod) and loving gentleness (agapē en pneumati praytēs, love in a spirit of gentleness). The 'whip' does not suggest violence but corrective authority. Yet Paul prefers love. The Corinthians' behavior determines which Paul they will meet: the severe corrector or the tender father.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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